Michigan State Police are continuing to clear the wreckage on eastbound I-94 near Hartford, between the 44 and 48 mile markers, according to Lt. Dale Hinz. There were three crashes that closed the freeway at about 5 p.m. for more than six hours on Monday.

At least 16 semi trucks and several cars were involved in the crashes, caused by heavy blowing snow and icy roadway conditions, Hinz said in a news release Tuesday morning.

Troopers from MSP posts in Coldwater, Niles and Wayland were called in to assist Paw Paw troopers in the investigation and clean-up.

Hinz encourages drivers to use "extreme caution" while traveling on I-94, especially between Paw Paw and Watervliet.

"The freeway has become extremely icy in this area because of extreme cold," Hinz said. "Windy conditions and heavy lake effect snow are causing near white-out conditions in this area."

Slippery driving conditions will persist until the temperature is warm enough for salt and melting agents to be effective on ice.

Hinz said troopers are already responding to several accidents in this area Tuesday morning.